System for inhibiting the corrosion of metallic objects

ABSTRACT

A cover system for protecting an object comprises: (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; and (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure. The flexible cover comprises an inner flexible layer in communication with the enclosure and an outer flexible layer disposed outwardly of the inner flexible layer.

The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for inhibiting the corrosion of metallic objects.

It is known that corrosion of a metallic object is exacerbated by the presence of moisture, the presence of air, and changes in temperature around the metallic object.

Approximately three per cent of air constitutes acid vapours that can exacerbate the corrosion of metallic objects. Conversely, approximately one per cent of air constitutes naturally occurring vapour corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) that can neutralise these acid vapours.

As well as occurring naturally in air, VCIs can be manufactured using industrial processes, and are frequently used in various formats in order to inhibit the corrosion of metallic objects. Some examples of VCIs include hexamine, phenylenediamine and sodium nitrite.

For example, it is well known to impregnate packaging materials with VCIs, before wrapping the metallic object in the packaging, thereby helping to prolong the lifetime of the metallic object. In particular, the VCI evaporates from the packaging material and coats the metallic object. Corrosion can be further inhibited by heat shrinking the plastics packaging once it has been wrapped around the metallic object, which effectively removes the air from the vicinity of the metallic object.

Despite being widely used, there are a number of disadvantages associated with this method of protection. For example, the packaging does not always adequately coat the metallic object with VCI, particularly in the event that the metallic object to be protected is of an irregular shape. Further, plastics packaging impregnated with VCI can only be used once before disposal, on account of the common requirement to heat shrink the plastics packaging around the metallic object to improve the coating, thereby generating a large amount of waste. Further still, this type of packaging undesirably traps air around the metallic object, which increases the time taken to coat the metallic object on account of the larger volume of air requiring saturation before adequate coating with VCI can occur.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide an improved system for inhibiting the corrosion of metallic objects.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:—

-   -   (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define         an enclosure around the object; and     -   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure         for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the         enclosure,         characterised in that the flexible cover comprises an inner         flexible layer in communication with the enclosure and an outer         flexible layer disposed outwardly of the inner flexible layer.

Preferably, the inner flexible layer has a greater flexibility than the outer flexible layer.

Preferably, at least a portion of the inner flexible layer and the outer flexible layer are spaced apart from each other to define an air gap therebetween.

Preferably, the inner flexible layer is thinner than the outer flexible layer.

Preferably, the inner flexible layer is made from a material having a lower mass per unit area than the outer flexible layer.

In this way, the inner flexible layer is more lightweight than the outer flexible layer.

The presence of a lightweight inner flexible layer and a heavier weight outer flexible layer provides the advantage that the shock of heavy external air currents is absorbed, whilst still facilitating the gentle movement of the lightweight inner flexible layer to help to circulate the corrosion inhibitor. This provides the further advantage that a gap between the two layers is formed, thereby providing a heat insulating layer which further inhibits the formation of corrosion on the object.

The flexible cover may be made from a plastics material such as for example, polyurethane or polyvinylchloride.

The inner flexible layer may comprise flexible material.

The outer flexible layer may comprise flexible material. The inner flexible layer may comprise at least a portion of non-flexible material.

The outer flexible layer may comprise at least a portion of non-flexible material.

Preferably, the corrosion inhibitor source comprises a porous material having liquid corrosion inhibitor dispersed therethrough, adapted to allow selective evaporation of the corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure when required.

Preferably, the inner flexible layer of the flexible cover is impregnated with corrosion inhibitor.

This provides the advantage that corrosion is further inhibited in the case of a requirement for long term storage, for example.

Preferably, the system further comprises an air removal device for removing at least a portion of air present in the enclosure, from the enclosure.

Preferably, the system further comprises a substantially flat base upon which an object may be disposed.

The substantially flat nature of the base ensures that a suitable seal can be formed between the peripheral edge of the flexible cover and the base. In this way, the flexible cover may be attached to the relatively hard base. Further, this provides the advantage that the object can be moved from one place to another without the accidental loss of corrosion inhibitor from the enclosure.

The flexible cover may comprise a peripheral edge defining a base area and being attachable to the base to form a seal between the base and the flexible cover.

In this case, the substantially flat nature of the base ensures that the lifetime of the seal is extended.

The base may be made from a heat insulator in order to alleviate the loss of heat from the enclosure.

The flexible cover may be made from a heat insulator in order to alleviate the loss of heat from the enclosure. Preferably, the flexible cover comprises an upper surface having a surface area greater than the base area.

The flexible cover may be attachable to the base by means of at least one clip.

Alternatively, the flexible cover may be attachable to the base by means of hook and loop fasteners.

Preferably however, the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of a compression seal between the periphery of the base and the flexible cover.

Alternatively, the flexible cover may be attachable to the base by means of a mechanical seal between the periphery of the base and the flexible cover.

The inner flexible layer may be attachable to the base by means of a first compression seal comprising:—(i) a first recess disposed around the periphery of the substantially flat base; and (ii) at least one first insert disposable in the first recess, wherein in use, the inner flexible layer is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the inner flexible layer within the first recess and then disposing at least one said first insert in said first recess in order to clamp the inner flexible layer within the first recess.

The outer flexible layer may be attachable to the base by means of a second compression seal comprising:—(i) a second recess disposed around the periphery of the substantially flat base; and (ii) at least one second insert disposable in the second recess, wherein in use, the inner flexible layer is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the inner flexible layer within the second recess and then disposing at least one said second insert in said second recess in order to clamp the inner flexible layer within the second recess.

The flexible cover may comprise a transparent window.

This provides the advantage that a user can conveniently check on the condition of the object inside the enclosure.

The cover system may further comprise a frame to support the flexible cover.

This provides the advantage that friction between the object to be protected and the flexible cover, is reduced.

Alternatively, the cover system may further comprise at least one spacer disposable for example on the object, in order to support the flexible cover.

The cover system may further comprise an alarm system including a load cell for providing an alarm condition in the event that the object is removed from the enclosure.

The cover system may further comprise a temperature detection means in order to monitor the temperature within the enclosure and provide the user with information concerning the temperature within the enclosure.

The cover system may further comprise a heating device in order to elevate the temperature within the enclosure when required. The cover system may further comprise a light source disposed within the enclosure. The cover system may further comprise a wireless tracking system.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:—

-   -   (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define         an enclosure around the object; and     -   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure         for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the         enclosure,         characterised in that the system further comprises an air         removal device for removing at least a portion of the air         present in the enclosure, from the enclosure.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:—

-   -   (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define         an enclosure around the object; and     -   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure         for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the         enclosure,         characterised in that the flexible cover is adapted to circulate         air within the enclosure in response to external air currents.

The flexible cover may be attachable to the object to be protected. It is preferable however, that the system further comprises a base upon which an object may be disposed.

The base may be made from a heat insulator in order to alleviate the loss of heat from the enclosure.

The flexible cover may comprise a peripheral edge defining a base area and being attachable to the base to form a seal between the base and the flexible cover.

The flexible cover may comprise an upper surface having a surface area greater than the base area.

The shape of the flexible cover, and in particular the feature that the upper surface of the flexible cover is greater than the base area, provides the advantage that a bellows effect is created by the flexible cover. To elaborate, the upper surface tends to rise and fall as the air outside of the cover system moves around due to normal external air currents, helping to circulate the air and associated corrosion inhibitor within the enclosure, around the enclosure. This serves to more effectively coat the object with corrosion inhibitor, particularly the deeper portions of the object.

The shape of the flexible cover provides the further advantage that drainage of water from the cover system, both internally of the cover system and externally of the cover system, is improved, thereby facilitating faster drying during wet conditions.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:—

-   -   (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define         an enclosure around the object;     -   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure         for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the         enclosure; and     -   (c) a base upon which the object may be disposed and to which         the flexible cover may be attached,         characterised in that the cover system further comprises (i) a         recess disposed around the periphery of the base; and (ii) at         least one insert disposable in the recess, wherein in use, the         flexible cover is attached to the base by means of first         locating a portion of the flexible cover within the recess and         then disposing at least one said insert in said recess in order         to clamp the flexible cover within the recess.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising:—

-   -   (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define         an enclosure around the object; and     -   (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure         for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the         enclosure,         characterised in that the cover system further comprises a means         for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into         the enclosure and facilitating the selective removal of air from         within the enclosure.

Preferably, the means for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into the enclosure and facilitating the selective removal of air from within the enclosure comprises a one way valve.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:—

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cover system for protecting an object in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cover system for protecting an object in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cover system for protecting an object in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of a portion of a cover system for protecting an object in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b shows a side view of the portion of the cover system of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 a shows a side view of a cover system for protecting an object in an open condition, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 b shows a side view of the cover system of FIG. 4 a in a closed condition.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cover system for protecting an object is represented generally by reference numeral 1. The cover system 1 comprises a flexible cover 3 which is adapted to be draped over an object 5 to be protected. The flexible cover 3 is adapted to be attached to a base plate 7 as will be described in further detail below, thereby defining an enclosure 11 surrounding the object 5 to be protected.

The flexible cover 3 comprises an inner flexible layer 3 a in communication with the enclosure 11, and an outer flexible layer 3 b disposed outwardly of the inner flexible layer 3 a. The inner flexible layer 3 a is thinner than the outer flexible layer 3 b and so the inner flexible layer 3 a has a greater flexibility than the outer flexible layer.

In this embodiment, the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b are made from flexible material. However, it is to be appreciated that the layers 3 a and 3 b may alternatively be flexible on account of their mechanical structure as opposed to the type of material they are made from. For example, the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer may comprise a plurality of laths connected together and able to flex along their longitudinal axes.

The inner flexible layer 3 a is disposed such that it is spaced apart from the outer flexible layer 3 b to define a gap 12 between the inner 3 a and outer 3 b flexible layers. The gap 12 formed between the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b provides a heat insulating layer which further inhibits the formation of corrosion on the object 5.

Moreover, the flexible cover 3 is made from a heat insulating material.

The feature of the outer flexible layer 3 b being made from thicker material than the inner flexible layer 3 a means that the outer flexible layer 3 b can absorb the shock of any heavy external air currents and also massages the inner flexible layer 3 a to promote circulation of the corrosion inhibitor within the enclosure 11. In this way, the cover system 1 utilises the mechanical properties of the materials forming the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b, to achieve differing aims. In particular, the lightweight inner flexible layer 3 a defines the enclosure 11, and the heavier weight outer flexible layer 3 b provides mechanical protection from i.e. wind and rain.

The flexible cover 3 has a trapezoidal cross sectional area along line A-A, having an upper surface 21 and side surfaces 15. The flexible cover 3 is attached to the base plate 7 around the peripheral edge 9, which defines a base area 17. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 1, the surface area X of the upper surface 21 is greater than the base area 17.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, the outer flexible layer 3 b is attached to the base plate 7 by means of a compression seal 10 between the outer flexible layer 3 b and the base plate 7, and the inner flexible layer 3 a is attached to the base plate 7 by means of hook and loop fasteners 10 a. It is however to be appreciated that the various layers of the flexible cover 3 could alternatively be attached to the base plate 7 by any combination of suitable means, for example, a compression seal, a plurality of clips, or a plurality of hook and loop fasteners.

The compression seal 10 comprises a recess 30 disposed around the peripheral edge 9 of the base, in particular around the outer edge of the base plate 7, along with an elongate rubber insert 32 disposable in the recess 30. In use, the outer flexible layer 3 b of the flexible cover 3 is attached to the base plate 7 by means of first locating a peripheral portion of the outer flexible layer 3 b within the recess 30 and then press fitting the elongate rubber insert 32 into the recess 30 around the complete periphery of the outer flexible layer 3 b in order to clamp the outer flexible layer 3 b within the recess 30 and thereby securely retain the outer flexible layer 3 b in place on the base plate 7.

The rubber insert 32 further includes a guide (not shown) to assist with spacing and the insertion of the rubber insert 32 into the recess 30. The guide could take the form of at least one foot plate, which when stepped on by a user, facilitates the press fitting of the rubber insert.

The location of the compression seal 10 on the outer edge of the base plate 7 further helps to improve drainage of water from the cover system 1.

The cover system 1 further comprises a corrosion inhibitor source 13 which is disposed on the base plate 7. The corrosion inhibitor source 13 comprises a porous foam block soaked with liquid phase corrosion inhibitor (not shown), along with a protector 14 to prevent evaporation of corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure 11 until required. The corrosion inhibitor source 13 further comprises a pull cord 19 which has a first end 20 attached to the protector 14 and a second free end 22.

Further, the inner flexible layer 3 a is impregnated with corrosion inhibitor.

The cover system 1 further comprises an air removal device 26 for at least partially evacuating the enclosure 11 when it is deployed, such that the pressure within the enclosure 11 is approximately equal to one Atmosphere. The air removal device 26 could take the form of a vacuum pump having an inlet 16 within the enclosure 11, the inlet 16 being in communication with the enclosure through an aperture 18 in the base plate 7.

The presence of the compression seal 10 between the flexible cover 3 and the base plate 7 facilitates the removal of air from the enclosure 11 upon deployment of the air removal device 15.

It is to be appreciated that the complete evacuation of air from the enclosure 11 could be detrimental to the object 5 in the event that for example, it is an electronics device, and that instead, the enclosure 11 should be only partially evacuated to approximately one Atmosphere to leave a portion of air within the enclosure 11.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative means for attaching the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b to the base plate 7. In this case, both the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b are attached to the base plate 7 by means of compression seals 10 similar to that shown on FIG. 2 but for their location on the upper surface of the base plate 7 as opposed to around the outer edge.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate an alternative means for attaching the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b to the base plate 7. In this case, both the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b are attached to the base plate 7 by means of a mechanical seal 890 as opposed to the compression seals of the previous embodiments.

The mechanical seal 890 comprises a first 880 a and a second 880 b elongate projection, disposed side by side and circumferentially disposed adjacent the periphery of the base plate 7. The path followed by the two elongate projections 880 a and 880 b around the periphery of the base plate is dependent upon the size and the shape of the object to be protected. The elongate projections 880 a and 880 b are of an inverted U-shape in cross section and the mechanical seal further comprises a plurality of clips 898 which may be press fitted at intervals over at least a portion of the elongate projections 880 a and 880 b. The mechanical seal 890 operates as follows:

In the event that the inner flexible layer 3 a is to be attached to the base plate 7, it is draped over the first elongate projection 880 a, and the clips 898 are disposed at intervals around the first elongate projection 880 a, over the portion of the inner flexible layer 3 a which is draped over the first elongate projection 880 a, in order to securely clamp the inner flexible layer 3 a between the clip 898 and the first elongate projection 880 a.

This process is repeated with the outer flexible layer 3 b and the second elongate projection 880 b.

As a result, both the inner 3 a and the outer 3 b flexible layers are securely attached to the base plate 7.

It is to be appreciated that a slight modification of the mechanical seal 890 is also envisaged, whereby only one elongate projection is circumferentially disposed adjacent the periphery of the base plate 7. This embodiment is advantageous in the event that space is at a premium, and facilitates the unified attachment of the inner 3 a and outer 3 b to the base plate 7. In particular, both the inner 3 a and outer 3 b layers are draped over the same elongate projection, one on top of the other, and the clip is press fitted in the same fashion as described with reference to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b.

The cover system 1 operates as follows:—

The object 5 to be protected is placed upon the base plate 7 along with the corrosion inhibitor source 13. At this stage, the corrosion inhibitor source is still covered by the protector 14, which effectively prevents the evaporation of the corrosion inhibitor until the required time. The flexible cover 3 is then draped over the object 5, and the flexible cover 3 is then securely attached to the base plate 7 via the compression seal 10, ensuring that the second free end 22 of the pull cord 19 is left outside the enclosure 11 formed by the flexible cover 3.

The air removal device 26 is then switched on in order to remove air from the enclosure 11, thereby inhibiting the corrosion of the object 5. Once air has been removed from the enclosure 11, then the inlet 16 of the air removal device is removed from the aperture 18 of the base plate 7, and the aperture 18 is sealed by any suitable means. The second free end 22 of the pull cord 19 is then pulled by the user, thereby removing the protector 14 from the corrosion inhibitor source 13 to expose the corrosion inhibitor to the enclosure 11 and thereby facilitate the evaporation of corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure 11.

In this way, corrosion of the object 5 is inhibited by (i) the corrosion inhibitor source 13, (ii) the corrosion inhibitor impregnated in the inner flexible layer 3 a, and (iii) the removal of air from the enclosure 11.

It is to be appreciated that although a portion of air is removed from the enclosure 11, a portion of air still remains within the enclosure 11 after deployment of the air removal device 26.

The shape of the flexible cover 3, and in particular the feature that the surface area X of the upper surface 21 is greater than the base area 17 means that a bellows effect is created by the flexible cover 3. In particular, the upper surface 21 of the flexible cover 3 tends to rise and fall as the air outside of the cover system 1 moves around due to normal external air currents. This is exacerbated by the natural folds 24 formed around the peripheral edge 9 of the flexible cover 3. This results in the remaining air and corrosion inhibitor vapour within the enclosure 11 continually circulating throughout the enclosure 11, to more effectively coat the object 5 with corrosion inhibitor.

In this way, the cover system 1 utilises natural air movement in order to facilitate the deployment of corrosion inhibitor vapour within the enclosure 11. In particular, the heat resistant flexible cover 3 ensures that, in the event that the object to be protected is still warm, the temperature of the enclosure 11 is maintained at a warm temperature, with the result that warm air currents are created which effectively help to circulate the corrosion inhibitor vapour within the enclosure 11. This reduces the need for heating means within the enclosure to create the same circulatory effect.

With reference to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, a cover system for protecting an object 105 is represented generally by reference numeral 101. The cover system 101 comprises a flexible bag 150 which is adapted to house the object 105 to be protected. The flexible bag 150 is open at a first end 152. The cover system 101 further comprises a means for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into the enclosure 111 formed by the flexible bag 150 when in its closed condition, and facilitating the selective removal of air from within the enclosure 111, as will be described later, in the form of a one way valve 156 disposed at the second end 154.

The first end 152 comprises a seal 158 which may take any suitable form, for example an adhesive strip. When the seal 158 is actuated, it substantially prevents the transfer of air both from and into the flexible bag 150 until such times as the one way valve 156 is deployed, as will be described later.

The cover system 101 further comprises a corrosion inhibitor source 113, which may for example be a foam block impregnated with corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor source 113 is disposed within the flexible bag 150.

The cover system 101 operates as follows:—

The object 105 to be protected is placed within the flexible bag 150 along with the corrosion inhibitor source 113. At this stage, the corrosion inhibitor source is still covered by a suitable protector (not shown) similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, which effectively prevents the evaporation of the corrosion inhibitor until the required time. The flexible bag 150 is then sealed at the first end 152, thereby forming an enclosure 111 containing a volume of air along with the corrosion inhibitor source 113 and the object 105.

In order to remove at least a portion of the air from within the enclosure 111, the first end 152 is rolled up, which effectively urges the air out of the enclosure 111 via the one way valve 156. Alternatively, the flexible bag 150 could simply be squeezed by a user in order to remove air from within the enclosure 111 via the one way valve 156.

The protector (not shown) associated with the corrosion inhibitor source 113 is then removed, thereby facilitating the evaporation of corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure 111 and the inhibition of corrosion of the object 105. The nature of the one way valve 156 means that although air can be removed from the enclosure 111 by squeezing the flexible bag 150, it cannot travel in the other direction and enter the flexible bag 150. The embodiment of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b is particularly suitable for smaller and more lightweight objects such as electronic equipment or computer related devices which can be easily lifted up by a user and placed within the flexible bag 150.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

For example, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the base plate 7 could alternatively be absent from the system, with the enclosure 11 being formed instead by means of attaching the peripheral edge 9 of the flexible cover 3 to the floor on which the object 5 is placed. This is particularly suitable in the case where the object 5 is heavy and cannot be moved onto a base plate 7.

Alternatively, the enclosure 11 could be formed by means of attaching the peripheral edge 9 of the flexible cover 3 around the lower portion of the object 5 itself.

By way of further example, the base plate 7 could be modular, such that it comprises a plurality of interlocking portions which can be fixed together in order to define the base plate 7. In this way, the base plate 7 can be easily transported in a compact format and then assembled by means of attaching the various base modules together in order to provide a base plate 7 of the required size and shape. Such a modular design of the base plate 7 also facilitates the assembly of a base plate having an irregular shape to accommodate an irregularly shaped object, for example.

By way of further example, the base plate 7 could alternatively have upturned edges which would discourage rodents from the cover system 1.

It is also to be appreciated that the cover system 1 could comprise an alternative corrosion inhibitor source to the one described above. In particular, the cover system 1 may alternatively comprise a carpet of frangible cells (not shown) disposed within the enclosure 11, such that when a cell is pressed by a user through the flexible cover, the cell splits and releases corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure 11. The carpet may comprise for example, twelve cells, whereby one cell is split per month by a user. In this way, the release of corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure 11 is staged.

Alternatively, the inner flexible layer 3 a itself may be comprised of a plurality of frangible cells (not shown), which when pressed and therefore split by a user, release corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure 11. In this case, the portion of each frangible cell which faces the gap 12 between the inner flexible layer 3 a and the outer flexible layer 3 b is made thicker so that only the portion of the frangible cell which faces the enclosure 11, is split when the cell is pressed by a user. This ensures that corrosion inhibitor does not accidentally escape into the gap 12.

It is also to be appreciated that the flexible cover could comprise an elasticated portion around its peripheral edge 9, in order to assist in the provision of a suitable seal and also to maintain the shape of the flexible cover.

It is also to be appreciated that the alternative corrosion inhibitor source as described above in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 could additionally be utilised as a replacement for the foam block 113 of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. 

1. A cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising: (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; and (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure, wherein the flexible cover comprises an inner flexible layer in communication with the enclosure and an outer flexible layer disposed outwardly of the inner flexible layer.
 2. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner flexible layer has a greater flexibility than the outer flexible layer.
 3. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inner flexible layer and the outer flexible layer are spaced apart from each other to define an air gap therebetween.
 4. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner flexible layer is thinner than the outer flexible layer.
 5. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein either of the inner flexible layer or the outer flexible layer comprises at least a portion of non-flexible material.
 6. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the corrosion inhibitor source comprises a porous material having liquid corrosion inhibitor dispersed therethrough, adapted to allow selective evaporation of the corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure when required.
 7. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner flexible layer of the flexible cover is impregnated with corrosion inhibitor.
 8. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an air removal device for removing at least a portion of air present in the enclosure, from the enclosure.
 9. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a substantially flat base upon which an object may be disposed.
 10. A cover system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flexible cover comprises a peripheral edge defining a base area and being attachable to the base to form a seal between the base and the flexible cover.
 11. A cover system as claimed in claim 10, the flexible cover comprises an upper surface having a surface area greater than the base area.
 12. A cover system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of at least one clip.
 13. A cover system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of hook and loop fasteners.
 14. A cover system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flexible cover is attachable to the base by means of a compression seal between the periphery of the base and the flexible cover.
 15. A cover system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the inner flexible layer is attachable to the base by means of a first compression seal comprising: (i) a first recess disposed around the periphery of the substantially flat base; and (ii) at least one first insert disposable in the first recess, wherein in use, the inner flexible layer is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the inner flexible layer within the first recess and then disposing at least one said first insert in said first recess in order to clamp the inner flexible layer within the first recess.
 16. A cover system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outer flexible layer is attachable to the base by means of a second compression seal comprising: (i) a second recess disposed around the periphery of the substantially flat base; and (ii) at least one second insert disposable in the second recess, wherein in use, the inner flexible layer is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the inner flexible layer within the second recess and then disposing at least one said second insert in said second recess in order to clamp the inner flexible layer within the second recess.
 17. A cover system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible cover is adapted to circulate air within the enclosure in response to external air currents.
 18. A cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising: (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure; and (c) a base upon which the object may be disposed and to which the flexible cover may be attached, wherein the cover system further comprises (i) a recess disposed around the periphery of the base; and (ii) at least one insert disposable in the recess, wherein in use, the flexible cover is attached to the base by means of first locating a portion of the flexible cover within the recess and then disposing at least one said insert in said recess in order to clamp the flexible cover within the recess.
 19. A cover system for protecting an object, the cover system comprising: (a) a flexible cover for application around an object to define an enclosure around the object; and (b) a corrosion inhibitor source disposed within the enclosure for selectively releasing corrosion inhibitor into the enclosure, wherein the cover system further comprises a means for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into the enclosure and facilitating the selective removal of air from within the enclosure.
 20. A cover system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the means for substantially preventing the ingress of external air into the enclosure and facilitating the selective removal of air from within the enclosure comprises a one way valve. 21.-42. (canceled) 